| What Is A Simple Scrapbook? |
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Part II: The Rest of the F's |
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2. FORMAT
Every simple scrapbook follows a format of some sort. The format consists of the
physical characteristics of the album, such as the album size, and the
organization of its contents, such as a top-ten list or random-memories style.
One of the key aspects of an album’s format is the design scheme used throughout
the album—the colors and products used, the way various elements are arranged on
the pages, and so on. The design scheme helps tie all the pages together,
providing continuity to the album. Figure 2, for example, shows some of the
framework pages of editor-in-chief Stacy Julian’s “Family Quote Book.” Her
framework pages include a title page, a table of contents/dedication page, one
of her section pages, and two filler pages for that section.
The design scheme for a simple scrapbook usually starts with some coordinating
products, such as the blue and green cardstock, patterned paper and spiral
rubber stamp Stacy used in her Family Quote Book. Repeating these elements
establishes a design that connects that pages together. You might also repeat a
design element (such as torn paper) or a lettering style on the framework pages.
In addition to specific products, the design scheme also refers to the page
layout and placement of various elements on each framework page. For example,
the section pages in Stacy’s Family Quote Book follow the same design as the
title page (the position of the title block fonts, torn paper strips, three
spiral stamps), while the filler pages each include a circular photo over strip
of torn patterned paper.
Figure 2. Establish an identifiable design scheme by using similar design elements in a consistent arrangement on your pages. Pages by Stacy Julian. Supplies Album: Century Craft; Patterned paper: Colors By Design; Rubber stamp and stamping ink: Close to My Heart; Computer fonts: CK Cursive, CK Anything Goes, CK Script and CK Handprint, "The Best of Creative Lettering" CD Combo, Creating Keepsakes.
3. FINISHED
A simple scrapbook is a project you can actually finish! Chronological albums
tend to be on-going projects with an “I’ll-never-be-caught-up” aspect that can
add stress to our already busy lives. A simple scrapbook, on the other hand, is
an album you know will be completed. This basic knowledge—before you start
creating anything—removes a lot of anxiety and lets you scrapbook for the sheer
enjoyment of it.
Because you’re working within a framework, you know exactly how many pages you
need to create. Even those scrapbooks that are occasionally updated with a
filler page or two can be considered “finite” books and can easily be displayed
in your home, since the completed framework pages give the book a finished look
and feel.
4. FAST
One of my favorite characteristics of a simple scrapbook is that it’s fast to
create. Often, the most time-consuming aspect is merely deciding what format you
want to use, then creating the first few framework pages. The rest of the
album—including any future filler pages—comes together in a snap. All you have
to do is follow the format and plug in your photos! (Tip: Completing a simple
scrapbook formula as your very first step makes the process even faster.)
5. FREEDOM
The last characteristic of a simple scrapbook is what it ultimately gives
you—freedom. Freedom to simplify chronological projects by highlighting events
in a finite album, freedom to explore and record so many important aspects of
your life, freedom from the anxiety of trying to stay “caught up” on your
albums, and freedom to approach and tailor scrapbooking to a method that works
best for you.
I’ve made “simple” a permanent part of my scrapbooking vocabulary. Give simple
scrapbooks a try and you’ll be amazed at how they can change you!
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